Many Americans are troubled with access issues in the workplace. Although there are laws in order to protect the rights of disabled workers, they undoubtedly face difficulties every day due to unreasonable accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act seeks to break down barriers for disabled workers in Wisconsin. Recently, one man recounts his journey through the court system to ensure that the ADA and laws surrounding reasonable accommodation are upheld.
The battle began for the man when he had to appear at a local county court for a revoked license. He is a paraplegic who has faced numerous challenges with the court. As the man made his way to the courthouse, he found that the accommodations were severely lacking. He had to literally crawl up the steps to go through the judicial process. After he was called back to court a second time for the case, he did not return due to the lack of accommodations and was later arrested for his absence.
He hired an attorney to represent him shortly thereafter. The attorney made it his mission to see that the man, and anyone suffering from a disability, are given reasonable accommodation and access to a courthouse in the event that they are faced with court proceedings. Although the case was full of legal barricades, the attorney eventually won in a Supreme Court ruling that assured that county courtrooms would be accessible and in line with ADA policy.
Serving as a standard for all states for reasonable accommodation and the right to access for those with disabilities, the case reveals the staunch reality of the fight that those with disabilities are faced with on a daily basis. If the court must be held accountable for enforcing laws and protecting the rights of its citizens, it is no surprise that there are daily challenges and battles to win in the workplace for reasonable accommodation. In Wisconsin, individuals who are unable to engage in work activity because of a physical or mental disability may be entitled to accommodation that would aid in their ability to perform the essential duties of their job.
Source: clevelandbanner.com, Cleveland attorney reflects on ADA case argued before Supreme Court, Brian Graves, Jan. 10, 2014
